Vatican City

The “Inno e Marcia Pontificale” is the first official anthem of the Vatican after a work known as the “Gran Marcia Trionfale” [Great Triumphal March] by Vittorino Hallmayr, the bandmaster of an Austrian regiment located in Rome, was used on an unofficial basis. The “Inno e Marcia Pontificale” is performed in the presence of: the Pope; one of his special legates; or on occasion of presentation of Credential Letters by a papal nuncio. The music by noted composer Charles-François Gounod was written in 1857 for the jubille anniversary of pope Pius IX. Originally, the anthem had Italian lyrics, Latin lyrics were created later (and slightly modified in 1993) as a way for Catholics around the world to sing it in a common language, and the Italian lyrics are no longer used. The Latin lyrics were by a Catholic priest, who took inspiration from scripture passages about St. Peter (the first Pope in Catholic tradition). According to the Vatican, the “Inno e Marcia Pontificale” is not to be understood as a national anthem, but rather as a hymn that speaks to Roman Catholics worldwide; in practice, however, it serves as the anthem for the Vatican State.

O fortunate Rome, O fortunate noble Rome.
O fortunate Rome, fortunate and noble Rome.
You are the see of Peter, who acts in the place of Christ,
You are the see of Peter, who is the apostle of peace.

Pontiff, we will all be with you
Pontiff, be the teacher who confirms your brethren.
Pontiff, we will all be with you
Pontiff, be the teacher who confirms your brethren.
Pontiff, our foundation and our strength,
And fisher of men, you are the shepherd of the flock, binding earth and heaven.

Peter, you are the are the vicar of Christ upon the earth,
A rock amidst the waves, you are a beacon and the truth.
You are the love of Christ, you are the guardian of unity,
Ready defender of liberty; authority is in you.

Peter, you are the are the vicar of Christ upon the earth,
A rock amidst the waves, you are a beacon and the truth.
You are the love of Christ, you are the guardian of unity,
Ready defender of liberty; authority is in you.